In a dramatic twist to the Manchester United managerial saga, Sporting CP's highly-rated boss Ruben Amorim has reportedly entered the frame as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag.
The future of current Red Devils gaffer Ten Hag is hanging in the balance following a dismal second season at Old Trafford, despite his FA Cup triumph last weekend. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is conducting a thorough end-of-season review, and a change in the dugout is a distinct possibility.
Amorim: The New Name in the Frame
While the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, and Gareth Southgate have been heavily linked with the role, a new report from Portugal has thrown Amorim's name into the mix. The 39-year-old is one of Europe's most sought-after coaches after leading Sporting to a dominant Liga Portugal title win this season.
Amorim was previously the frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. However, that move collapsed after he was photographed meeting with West Ham officials, and the Reds ultimately appointed Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
The Complicated Pursuit
Any move for Amorim would not be straightforward. The talented manager has a release clause in his contract believed to be in the region of £12.8 million. This is a significant fee for a manager on top of the compensation that would likely be due to Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff.
Furthermore, Amorim's preferred formation is a 3-4-3, a system that would require a significant tactical overhaul of the current Manchester United squad, which has been built around a four-at-the-back structure.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Ratcliffe and INEOS deliberate over the most important decision of their tenure so far: who will lead Manchester United into a new era.
